I have been lurking around here for a while and reading up on Volvos, this is a great site with a lot of insight. I am in the market for an AWD sedan ( my wife insists on getting an AWD vehicle for the winter) of course turbo charged for me, I am very familiar with that aspect.
My first question is; between 98-03, what are the sedans that came with AWD. I know the s70 or the Cross country wagons did. I looked at an S70 AWD sedan and I like the way it drove and I felt safe in it. Is there a list and model numbers with AWD information. I am tired of making calls to find out it's just a FWD.

Thanks guys

Prasad

 

An S60 and S40 both had AWD models, and there is an XC70 with an AWD. HOWEVER, all wheel drive Volvos have their downside, they are a lot more trouble then there fellow FWD models. If you really want an AWD, go for it, but you could run into some costly repairs. Any volvo FWD model handles extremely well in the snow, living in Wisconsin and using my 850 for the past 4 winters I haven't gotten stuck, spun out, not been able to stop or anything. Save yourself the hassle and if you really want a Volvo, stick to the FWD.

 

My money is on an S60 AWD if I had to drive an AWD, but I live in Fla. I will agree with the post above that if and IF you need to service the system it can be costly. I have heard though nothing but good things from owners I chat with on here and a few other Volvo forums I am on that have an AWD S60. Do your homework and make sure that if you buy one that you have it inspected. Here's a few links to help u along.

http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/VolvoS60/
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/..._awd-road_test
http://autospeed.com/cms/title_New-C...8/article.html
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=3280
http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicl...lvas70awd.html
http://www.intellichoice.com/reports...2000/Volvo/S70

 

I would stay away from AWD S70. I have not heard any good stories about them. If you can find S40 or S60, I would go with either of them.

Welcome to the forum & good luck,


JPN

 

Welcome. S60 or S40, depending on the size of vehicle you want to drive.

 

I think my budget just went down, I may have to settle for 98-00 models. My wife is still hung up on AWD, she had a Subaru and she loved that thing. What were the major issues with S70? the throttle sensor or what ever and what else?

Thanks again

Prasad

 

Do not buy an AWD s70. I own one and can tell you that it is a money pit.

 

If I were to buy a FWD Volvo, should I go for a 1998 s70 or 99-00. I have been seeing them cheap betwee 2K and 4K. What were the major issues with them other than the throttle body issue or the sensor and the AC?


Thanks
Prasad

 

Go with a 98 only they are the best years. Agreed to stay away from the AWD ones.

 

I found a 1998 S70 FWD with 160K miles for $1900, what should I look for?

Thanks again for all of your help guys!!!!!

Prasad

 

Settle for a 98-00 S70? That's not settling, that would have been my first choice. Go with a 98 S70, or if you want a wagon, go with a V70, both comparable in price. They are good cars and they will last you forever if you maintain them properly. Plus handle exceptionally well in the snow.

 

Check the suspension good including all bushings.
Pull dipstick with it running and see if it si smoking like a train. If it is it just might need a vent system service.

 

I am sorry guys for jumping all over but The S80 are cool looking. I have lead on a 1999 for about 2900 with 150K on it. From what I am reading, I should stay away from it. What do you guys think? 1998 S70 or the cool looking 1999 S80?

Thanks
Prasad

 

Run as fast as you can from the S80!!!!!

 

Ok guys, my last question; 98 S70 with 200K on it for $1700 or 99 s70 with 87K on it for 1300. The 99 needs hood fender and a head light. I understand the 98 is the better model how about the miles 87K v/s 204K Neither one has any maintenance records. The 99 was owned by an old lady for the first 7 years.

Thanks again guys

Prasad

 

Kind of hard to say on that one. Because if the throttle body goes bad on you then you have to shell out about $1200.00 just to fix that. Now if the motor blows on the 98 you can get a motor for about the price of the throttle body for the 99 car.